The rugby league world is mourning the sudden death of legendary coach and broadcaster John Kear, who has died aged 71.
Kear passed away unexpectedly on Sunday while travelling home after spending the weekend at Wembley, where he had been part of the BBC commentary team covering the Challenge Cup finals.
His death has sent shockwaves through the sport he devoted more than five decades to as a player, coach and commentator.
Widely regarded as one of rugby league’s most respected figures, Kear enjoyed a coaching career spanning more than 700 games and led clubs, national teams and generations of players with passion, humour and unwavering enthusiasm.
The former England, France and Wales coach first made his mark as a player, appearing in 133 matches for Castleford between 1978 and 1988. After hanging up his boots, he embarked on a coaching journey that would become one of the most celebrated in the game.
Among his greatest achievements were guiding the Sheffield Eagles to one of the biggest upsets in rugby league history with their shock Challenge Cup triumph in 1998, before lifting the famous trophy again with Hull FC in 2005.
His coaching résumé also included leading England at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and coaching Wales at the 2017 and 2021 tournaments.
The Rugby Football League paid tribute to Kear in a statement following news of his passing.
“The RFL today pays tribute to John Kear, who died suddenly on Sunday afternoon returning north from Wembley, having been part of the BBC’s commentary team for the Betfred Challenge Cup finals the previous day,” the statement read.
RFL chair Nigel Wood said Kear’s impact on the game stretched far beyond the touchline.
“On behalf of the whole sport, our thoughts and condolences are with John’s wife Dawn, his family and with those who played or worked alongside him over the last 50 years,” Wood said.
“Having had a 10-year career at Castleford, he found his passion for coaching which saw him oversee more than 700 games across a career which included coaching England in the 2000 World Cup, Wales in the 2017 and 2021 World Cup, oversaw Challenge Cup victories at Sheffield Eagles and Hull FC, and most recently took Batley Bulldogs to the Championship Grand Final.
“But John was also an excellent broadcast summariser with a great turn of phrase and an undiluted love and positivity for the sport.
“It was always a pleasure to see John, at Wakefield Trinity games most recently, as he was full of energy and enthusiasm for the game he clearly loved and had given him so much, in the same way he had given back.”
Kear remained involved in rugby league until recently, with his coaching career only ending last year. Even in retirement from coaching, he remained a familiar and warmly regarded voice in the commentary box, sharing his knowledge and love of the game with fans.
His sudden death has left a profound sense of loss across rugby league, with tributes flowing for a man remembered not only for his achievements but also for his warmth, generosity and infectious passion.
For many, John Kear was more than a coach or commentator. He was one of rugby league’s great characters – a lifelong servant of the game whose enthusiasm never faded.
He is survived by his wife Dawn and family.
Image: Wikimedia
